Study Filmmaking Abroad

A Guide to
Studying Filmmaking Abroad

Filmmaking is an artform that is highly regarded around the world. No matter where you go there is a demand for the entertainment which films provide. By traveling to different parts of the world to study filmmaking abroad, you will develop a broader scope of ways in which films are made and distributed. Being a successful filmmaker relies heavily on knowing your audience, and to become an internationally acclaimed filmmaker you must understand the artistic standards and expectations of various cultures. Studying filmmaking abroad is a great first step toward achieving this cultural understanding.

Why Study Filmmaking Abroad

Highly respected film schools and film study abroad programs can be found all over the world, all of which have different benefits to offer depending on the culture of the location. Each culture will offer unique techniques and access to different technology that will broaden your filmmaking abilities. But something that cannot be taught in film school is personal experience. The experiences you acquire subjectively are what will ultimately make for the truest and most meaningful films. Through studying filmmaking abroad you will naturally experience new situations, people, and events that will take you away from your everyday routine and into the creative mindset needed to produce a successful film.

Locations

Major feature films are produced on all seven continents, but film got its start in France with the Lumiere brothers and in the United States with Thomas Edison. Since the birth of film, these two countries have continued to strive in producing major films, with the United States producing blockbuster Hollywood hits and France providing the world with the most notable arthouse films. India is the second largest producer of films in the world as the home to bollywood films, and many quality film productions have come from other Asian countries as well as nations in Africa and South America. Below are just three of the top locations to study filmmaking abroad:

England offers numerous opportunities for developing your skill set as a filmmaker and getting your name out into the world. London specifically is an international epicenter for art, and has much to offer within the field of filmmaking. Not only will you learn film production techniques from renowned professors, but the local demand and interest in film will give you the opportunity to have your films recognized by the public. Studying filmmaking in an artistic environment, such as England, is extremely beneficial for the sake of learning from your peers as well as developing real world experience through promoting your projects.

Italy. Italian cinema made a big impact on the world of filmmaking with the emergence of Italian neo-realism. This style of filmmaking makes an attempt to depict reality for what it is by using non professional actors and shooting on location, and it is still very much alive today. Italy is home to a number of international film festivals that will give you the chance to experience and learn from the professionals, or maybe even enter for a chance to screen your film.

United States. As the leading distributor of film in the world, the United States is an excellent place to study filmmaking abroad. Through studying filmmaking at world renowned American film schools, you will gain the credibility to earn yourself a job in the industry. Although America is most notably known for its big budget Hollywood films, there are a number of schools that focus on the production of independent art films too. Whether you are looking to hone your craft as an independent filmmaker or work your way up the Hollywood ladder, studying filmmaking in the United States is a great first step to establishing yourself.

Studying Filmmaking Abroad

When studying filmmaking abroad you will have a number of options for honing in on a specific area of film production. You can choose from a variety of specific filmmaking processes, such as screenwriting, sound production, lighting, or editing. You can also choose to receive a more well rounded education by taking general or specific film production courses, such as documentary film production and fiction film production. Which ever route you choose to take, you will develop an understanding for filming and distribution process of that country.

Production courses will most likely consist of a workshop style format that will allow for hands on demonstrations and peer evaluation of projects. This format is the most beneficial way for developing as a filmmaker, since you will be working directly with the equipment as you learn about it. It’s also beneficial to give and receive constructive criticism with your peers, as it will sharpen your understanding of film and your personal style as a filmmaker.

Before choosing a filmmaking study abroad program, make sure that you check the requirements for applying. Filmmaking courses abroad are open to all majors for most introductory courses, but most upper division courses are only open to film majors with the necessary course prerequisites completed. In addition to taking the required prerequisite courses, some filmmaking study abroad programs will ask for a portfolio or demo reel with your application; a quality reel could be the determining factor in your admission into a program.

GoAbroad Insider Tips

Gain a Unique, Subjective Experience: Through turning your learning experience into an adventure, you open up endless opportunities for creative development. Your whole trip has the chance to become a movie in the future.

Widen Your Perspective on the Medium as a Whole: Traveling will allow you to learn different cultural approaches to filmmaking and broaden your perception of the industry. You will learn different cultural norms while studying filmmaking abroad, which can help to develop your own personal style as a filmmaker.

Develop the Confidence and Ability to Travel Overseas for Your Future Career: All great film directors have traveled overseas at one point or another to produce a film. Studying filmmaking abroad gives your audience a new taste for your abilities, and broadens your repertoire as an artist. By studying filmmaking abroad, you will have the experience and know-how to travel overseas in your future career as a filmmaker.

Find Filmmaking Study Abroad Programs Now

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Live in Paris for two weeks or more, and explore the city on your own as well as with a group of young people. Grab this wonderful opportunity by signing up for the ‘Filmmaking Intensive Workshop’ of Performing Arts Abroad.
This summer program provides training in filmmaking, allowing you to work with industry professionals from Paris, New York, and other major cities famous for their cinema...

New York Film Academy (NYFA) in Florence has been providing intensive, hands-on programs since 2003. We currently offer Filmmaking and Acting for Film courses, with a duration ranging from 1 week (3, 4, 6, 8 weeks) to a semester.
The facilities of NYFA Florence are just a block away from the central market, which boasts of bustling activities that help give the city’s energetic vibe. Wander...

On Semester on the Gold Coast, you'll spend a semester in the sun at one of the most highly ranked and modern universities in Australia. The year-round tropical climate isn't bad either! Bond University is unique among Australian universities in that its academic calendar aligns with the US university calendar. You can take advantage of small class sizes - the student to faculty ratio is 11:1. ...

Take advantage of the chance to live and learn in Sydney, one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world! Students can immerse themselves in the academic and student culture of Macquarie University, the University of New South Wales, or the University of Sydney. All offer an array of disciplines covering the spectrum from engineering to art history.
Sydney will be your classroom....

The Boston University Los Angeles Internship Program offers students a semester of study and work in the heart of the film, television, advertising and public relations, and entertainment management and law industries. Courses are taught by university faculty and alumni who serve as mentors in and out of the classroom. Students take three courses at the same time with their internship. Students...

Stirling, a historic fortress city in the heart of Scotland, is an exciting blend of old and new. Lately, it has emerged as one of the UK’s most liveable cities as well as a business and cultural center, what with its ongoing regeneration in industry and the arts.
The Stirling program of USAC allows you to experience much of this beautiful city. You will take courses in a broad range of disc...

Discover the quaint, historic town of Stirling, Scotland. The program is perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy students who want to live in a buzzing student-friendly city with a great sense of community. Students will have access to a variety of courses while living in Stirling surrounded by mountains, valleys, and lochs. In addition, each student will receive outstanding on-site support from the...

London, the vibrant capital of England, is also one of the world's most diverse and multicultural cities: A place where students can meet people from all around the world and still feel at home. The city sits atop the Thames River which meanders its way through this cultural, business and historic heart of Europe. With its accessible public transport, all of London is within the grasp of studen...

Without a doubt, Lisbon is a happening place to study abroad. Each year, the beautiful capital city hosts numerous international events, including the world’s biggest music festival, Rock in Rio-Lisboa. There’s always something to do while exploring and enhancing your understanding of Portuguese society and culture. You’ll enroll in a variety of courses in both English and Portuguese, stay with...

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to build your resume while you experience the world, learn a new language, and make international friends.
As an American university in the historic center of Rome, Italy, John Cabot University allows you to become a part of our international campus community representing 70 countries while you experience the incredible city of Rome. We accept st...

Curriculum Highlights:
Multi-country summer program in Europe: Earn up to 8 credits in the summer while studying in 9 amazing European cities. Students from the U.S. and other countries travel together (with the professors) taking classes, visiting universities, companies and international organizations. Open to all majors. U.S.-accredited university. Acquire a solid understanding of European...

Spend an enriching break from your school by attending the University of East Anglia's International Summer School. Get the chance to live in the UK and learn at a leading university.
For 4 weeks, you will enroll in a course and gain academic credit. This is a flexible program that helps you develop advanced skills and gain new ones. You will undergo over 40 hours of intensive, participativ...

Situated on Malé Námestí in two 15th-century buildings, NYU Prague is just steps from the historic Old Town Square, famous for its medieval astronomical clock and delightful panorama of arcaded Gothic houses and Baroque palaces. In between classes students gather in the lounges, use the computer labs, or meet with faculty members. Music and Photography majors have access to practice space and d...

On ISEP programs you live and study like locals. Our flexible course enrollment program at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, allows you to find courses that meet your needs. Choose from hundreds of courses by accessing the university's full-course curriculum. ...